Eccleshill United 0-3 Bradford City

The Eagles fell to a dominant Bradford City performance despite a hard fought effort.

Stuart McCall's Bradford City side walked away comfortable 3-0 winners at the Mitton Group Stadium, despite a hard fought effort from a plucky Eccleshill United squad who forced the Bantams to wait until the 70th minute to gain their opener.

A brace from Bradford City's Dan Pybus followed a superb solo effort from Tyrell Robinson to gain the League One side their second victory in as many days, but the scoreline was ultimately harsh on the Eagles and the effort that they displayed.

There were plenty of positives to take away from the fixture for Sean Regan's men who continue their own pre-season journey ahead of the Agust 5th opening fixture, with the fact that the side held the Bantams until the 70th minute being one of them.

McCall named a strong side for today's friendly and that paid off for his side who dominated the early goings of the match as the Eagles looked to find their feet and become more comfortable in the game.

It would be last seasons top goalscorer, Luke Harrop, who helped settle his side's nerves by beating his man well to earn a throw in which was taken quickly to play in Jonny Irving who almost gained a one on one opportunity but the chance was brought back for a foul.

Alex Gillead then almost opened the scoring after a bright piece of movement saw him gain a pocket of space before unleashing a strike on goal which was well saved by Dominic Smith, who had an excellent game between the sticks.

The Eagles continued to show their spirit and didn't sit back and simply soak up the pressure as an excellent through ball utilised the pace of Marcus Edwards, pushing past Robinson and squaring the ball across goal where none of the attacking Eccleshill men could get a foot on the ball.

Alex Jones then gained the best chance of the half when a slip from Matt Mathers played the strike in one on one with Smith who pulled off an incredible save to deny the Bradford man the chance of giving his side the lead.

As the game wore on the difference in fitness levels began to show as Bradford City gained more and more possession in dangerous areas with Pybus being a key man for the Bantams with the game running through him.

However, a few changes from Regan saw both Liam Bartle and Chris Lever be introduced to the game and the Eagles enjoyed a dominant spell with Edwards' pace continuing to create problems for the Bradford back four. After some smart play by Harrop down the wing, his cross would find Scott Manning whose guided header travelled just wide, before a follow-up attack which once again saw Edwards causing issues as his strike was well saved.

McCall's side weathered the storm and quickly caught Eccleshill out with a pass and move display that allowed Robinson plenty of time and space on the left-hand flank, cutting into the box before striking the ball into the bottom right-hand corner.

Despite Eccleshill's best efforts, a late double from Pybus secured the Bantams a comfortable victory, with his first coming after meeting a through ball from a Bradford City trialist, with his second seeing him finish off a good passing display around the Eagles box.

Overall it was another positive performance from Eccleshill who put up plenty of fight despite the seven league difference, showing the signs of a club ready for the new campaign.

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